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Rugby Ireland

Paul O’Connell is getting full value for his tuxedo this weather. Having been voted IRUPA player of the year by Irish pros in May, O’Connell received the Irish Rugby Writers’ version this month; next Sunday, he travels to Glasgow as the only European among five nominees for the IRB award, while he is the only non-Kiwi in the running for IRPA International Rugby Player of the Year. That’s the International Rugby Players Association, by the way.

Players from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, England, South Africa, Australia, France and New Zealand have voted, but only for those outside their own team, meaning the award should reflect the players’ true status among their competitors. Jerry Flannery and Andrew Trimble have been nominated in the Newcomer of the Year category, with Rocky Elsom, Pierre Spies and Jason Eaton. The winners are named on Tuesday.